Population genomics of divergence among extreme and intermediate color forms in a polymorphic insect.

ABSTRACT: Geographic variation in insect coloration is among the most intriguing examples of rapid phenotypic evolution and provides opportunities to study mechanisms of phenotypic change and diversification in closely related lineages. The bumble bee Bombus bifarius comprises two geographically disparate color groups characterized by red-banded and black-banded abdominal pigmentation, but with a range of spatially and phenotypically intermediate populations across western North America. Microsatellite analyses have revealed that B. bifarius in the USA are structured into two major groups concordant with geography and color pattern, but also suggest ongoing gene flow among regional populations. In this study, we better resolve the relationships among major color groups to better understand evolution

SUBMITTER: Lozier JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4722823 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature